Opinion

With a little less than three weeks until Opening Day 2019 and MLB Spring Training officially underway, the 2019 season is just around the corner.

We waited long enough for the signing of top free agent Bryce Harper, who just signed with the Philadelphia Phillies on a record breaking 13yr contract for $330 million. At just 26 years old, Harper is considered to be a rare commodity as he was not only elected free agency but is just one of the three sluggers to acquire a $300 million contract.

Not far off is Manny Machado who is off to the San Diego Padres on a 10yr, $300 million deal. After waiting as long as we did for those two to sign, I think we can wait another three weeks for the season to start.

I think we can all agree that it is fun to root for a team. With Monmouth’s Basketball season coming to an impressive end, baseball is a nice spot to pick up. With all of the new acquisitions during this off season, every team has something to root for.

Whether it is the star closer of the New York Mets, Edwin Diaz, or J.T Realmuto, the star catcher now on the Philadelphia Phillies.

Rooting for a team definitely brings people together but at the same time, we all love a good competition. Everyone has an inner competitive side to them, and watching baseball really brings that out.

Going to a game in person can be such an amazing experience. Both the Mets and Yankees stadiums are less than two hours away from campus and tickets are as cheap as $10 depending on where your seat is. It is definitely a fun and cost-effective night out.

For some reason, everything tastes better at a baseball stadium. Whether it’s an ordinary hot dog or plain vanilla ice cream, eating it in the stadium environment changes everything.

Thankfully, baseball season lasts from March all the way until October. With games on every day, it is unlike a TV series where you have to wait the following week for the next episode.One game ends and the nect game begins. Baseball is definitely a demanding and committing sport if you want to follow all of the games. But, the reward is definitely worth it!

There are some moments in baseball that make you feel like you are a part of the team. I truly do not think any other sport could make you feel the same way. When a team hits a walk off and everyone rallies around the plate, it is as if you are right there experiencing it with the team. Nevertheless, the feeling of a grand slam is almost as if you hit it yourself.

Baseball is one of those sports that evokes emotion not only between us, but in the players themselves too. I do not think we will ever forget Wilmer Flores, who was recently traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks, crying at second base in 2015 when he thought he was being traded.

The start of baseball season automatically means the start of Spring. Being only a mile from the beach, I think this is something that we all, as Monmouth students, look forward to. There are only two seasons. Winter and baseball season.

Baseball season has always represented America. From the songs to the feeling of a united country, it is truly an amazing sport to be a part of! There are not many sports that can say that they have a designated song. “Take me out to the ballgame” will always hold a special place in the hearts of baseball fans.

Not many sports have fireworks shows – luckily, baseball does! What is more beautiful than watching fireworks at the baseball field?

While coming to an end, some honorable mentions as for why baseball season remains the best season are bat flips, double plays, the walk-up music, and the sound of the ball hitting the bat.

Baseball is more than just a game, it is a way of life. No matter what team you root for, baseball is a great way to bond with friends and spice up your spring, summer and fall seasons. Best of luck to all thirty teams!

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